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Designed to realistically fit in a one-semester course, this new Sixth Edition of Samaha's CRIMINAL JUSTICE does an outstanding job of covering the basics of the criminal justice system while challenging students to think critically about the important social issues in criminal justice. This text thoroughly prepares students for more advanced criminal justice courses, covering topics such as public police, courts, corrections, and private security and corrections. From a critical thinking point of view, Samaha introduces students to those professionals who work within the criminal justice system, covering subjects such as entrance requirements, education and training, promotions, and the discipline and removal of criminal justice personnel. This text also includes coverage of victims and offenders and addresses the questions: Who are the victims? Why are they victimized? What role do they play in criminal justice? Who are the offenders? And, why do they commit crimes? With a clear theme of decision making throughout the text, Samaha presents criminal justice as a decision making process - the Decision Making Paradigm - that is impacted by the decisions made by offenders, victims, police, prosecutors, courts, and corrections agencies. Leaner by nearly 40 percent from the previous edition, Samaha's conversational writing style keeps students engaged as he addresses serious, current topics from all sides, using clear examples and the latest available information and research.